Description of Programs

The 12-month Practical Nursing program requires attendance at summer, fall, spring and summer sessions. Practical
nursing coursework consists of classroom, campus laboratory, and clinical experiences. Classroom hours are six-hour
days and clinical hours are eight-hour days. Clinical experiences begin early in the program of study and take place in hospitals, long-term care facilities and healthcare agencies in Hot Springs and the surrounding area. The clinical
rotation is planned to provide varied experiences in the health care field.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Licensed Practical Nurses are much in demand for a number of health care settings, ranging from home health care, private duty nursing, clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, schools and other institutions. Wages vary, but generally are above average in comparison with other occupational areas.

Attendance Policy

The Practical Nurse Program is a fast pace curriculum that requires dedication and time. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing mandates the number of hours for clinical and theory that a PN Program must offer. The student should plan to be in attendance every day and schedule appointments after 3:00 pm or when there is time off from school. (See calendar) If a student has to be absent, then there is a limit on how much time can be missed. Total number of hours missed cannot exceed 72 hours. If hours exceed this total, then the student is terminated from the program. Excused absences will be for court appearances, jury duty, and military service. Special consideration will be given on individual bases for any hospitalization that does not exceed one week.

See the PN Admission requirements.